Colorado State University, the University of Colorado Team Up to ‘Tackle Hunger’ at Rocky Mountain Showdown
Colorado’s research universities are teaming up to fight hunger on the same day their football teams square off in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown, set for 4 p.m. Sept. 1 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
“Tackle Hunger” will collect monetary donations from fans attending the annual game matching football teams from Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. Money collected will be divided between Feeding America food banks in Larimer and Boulder counties.
CSU President Tony Frank and CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano issued a joint statement supporting the new initiative: “The two universities often collaborate on research and other initiatives that benefit the entire state. The ‘Tackle Hunger’ challenge is yet another example of the many ways that higher education institutions in Colorado support our communities.”
Volunteers from the Food Bank for Larimer County in Fort Collins and Community Food Share in Louisville, which serves Boulder and Broomfield counties, will collect cash donations from tailgating fans prior to the game. Volunteers at the stadium gates will be equipped to accept cash and credit card donations.
“We are very fortunate to have Colorado State University in our community. CSU sets a great example by being committed to the local community whether it is through service learning or encouraging civic engagement from students,” said Amy Pezzani, executive director of the Food Bank for Larimer County. “Tackle Hunger will raise much-needed funds and give voice to an issue that is often hidden in our community.”
During the first quarter, fans will have another option in helping feed the hungry: donating via text message. Fans will be encouraged to use their cell phones to make $10 donations that will be included in monthly phone bills. Results will be announced later in the game.
“The ‘town and gown’ partnership of CSU, CU-Boulder, the Food Bank for Larimer County and Community Food Share during the Rocky Mountain Showdown is especially timely as Feeding America launches its annual Hunger Action Month the day of the game – further reminding us that it is only together, as a community, that we can alleviate hunger, and maybe someday end it,” said Jim Baldwin, Community Food Share CEO.
Only monetary donations will be accepted at the stadium. Each dollar raised provides four meals to a family in need.
For more information, visit www.rockymountainshowdown.com and click the “Tackle Hunger” icon.
About Food Bank for Larimer County
The Food Bank for Larimer County provides approximately 7.8 million pounds of donated food and other products to the community each year through three programs: Food Share, Kids Cafe and Food Link. Food Share is a food pantry with locations in Fort Collins and Loveland that provides free surplus and government food to income qualifying individuals up to two times per week. Nearly 30,000 Larimer County residents received assistance through Food Share in 2012. Kids Cafe® provides free, nutritious meals to low-income children after school and during the summer. More than 74,000 meals were provided to at-risk children last year. Food Link provides food to more than 80 other nonprofit organizations for use in their programs for low-income individuals. These organizations include food pantries, soup kitchens, after-school programs and domestic violence shelters. For more information visit www.foodbanklarimer.org
About Community Food Share
Community Food Share (CFS), the Feeding America food bank for Boulder and Broomfield counties, exists to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Serving the community for 32 years, CFS procures food from local, regional and national sources, and distributes more that 7.5 million pounds of food through a network of more than 50 member agencies and two direct distribution programs targeting specific at-risk populations. One of every six people (60,000) lives at or below 130% of the federal poverty line ($30,615/year for a family of four) in Boulder and Broomfield counties; 13,000 children are enrolled in the school free lunch program in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley school districts. www.communityfoodshare.org
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